Responsible Travel Tips

Responsible Travel Tips

Be the change you want to see in the World!

Know before you go

Use guidebooks to familiarise yourself with the culture, language & customs of your destination.  It will make your travels more rewarding.

Skip the taxi

Consider using public transit to get to the airport - use the money saved to offset your flights.

Carbon offset your flights

Air travel is a major contributor to climate change.  By investing in offsets you contribute to energy efficiency programmes around the globe.  This ensures that the same amount of carbon your flights produce is prevented from entering the atmosphere in the first place. 

Pack light

Each pound of luggage you leave at home diminishes your carbon footprint.

Begging and presents

Giving sweets or presents to children will teach them that begging is rewarding and this can undermine parental authority. Instead, interact with children and have some fun with them.

Then consider giving to a charity in the country you visit. 

Photography

 If you wish to photograph somebody, always ask their permission.

Power and Energy

Please use these sparingly.  Turn lights, heat and a/c off when not in the room.  Consider using rechargeable batteries. 

Religious customs and local traditions

These vary enormously around the world and are often an integral part of the local way of life.  Ask your tour leader when in doubt - a respectful visitor is a respected visitor!

Bargaining

This is part of the way of life in many places.  Be firm but polite, have some fun in the process and remember the shopkeeper has to make a living.  Once you agree on a price, don’t walk away.

Water

Consider bringing your own water bottle & purification drops.   The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world.  The production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion ends up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments.

Transport

Use public transport – shared transport is lighter on the carbon footprint

Litter

Reduce, reuse, and recycle.  Use rubbish bins or take it with you if bins are not provided.

Toiletries

Bring biodegradable soaps from home.  If you use hotel soaps, why not bring them to the next hotel and use it all up instead of opening a new one.  Consider bringing your own towel so the hotel can save on energy and laundry detergent. 

In the wild and while camping

 If no toilets are available, make sure you “do your thing” 30m from a water source, bury waste in the organic layer and take toilet paper with you in a Ziploc bag.  Dispose of it in an appropriate place like a camp fire.  When washing (up), avoid contaminating streams & lakes with soap.  Rinse off grey water at least 30m away from the water. 

Hikes & walks

 Leave nothing but footprints, stay on the trail and avoid taking shortcuts as these lead to erosion. 

Wildlife & nature

Avoid disturbing wildlife and stay the distance.  Try not to disturb their habitat.

Take care not to touch coral reefs and do not feed animals or fish.  Admire flowers but please don’t pick them.   Please do not encourage dancing bears or snake charmers.

Souvenirs & Artefacts

Be careful when buying articles made from plant or animal products. The trade in tourist souvenirs can threaten endangered species: the collecting of sea shells, for example, can greatly damage coral reefs. 

Items from ancient civilisations may still be found or bought in countries such as Peru. Although they may appear discarded or available to buy, leave them where you find them.

Meals and drinks

Buy local produce and meals made locally.  Try those delicious locally produced wines and beers.  If organics are available, enjoy them!  Visit family-owned restaurants.

On your return

Share all the great things you learned about your destination and responsible travel with your family, friends and colleagues.  Suggest improvements where needed.  Be an ambassador for responsible travel!